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Modi's intervention mollifies Israeli troupe

Special Correspondent

Was earlier ordered to withdraw from Navaratri festivals

GANDHINAGAR: Timely intervention by the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, has saved the relations between Gujarat and Israel from reaching a flash point after an Israeli cultural troupe was unceremoniously ordered to withdraw from the state-sponsored Navaratri festivals here. The state-owned Tourism Development Corporation, the main sponsor of the current "vibrant Gujarat Navaratri" celebrations at the sprawling helipad ground in the state capital, had asked the dance group, Kamea, to leave the stage following alleged complaints that the dress worn by Israeli girls was bordering on obscenity and was against the spirit of one of the major religious festivals of Gujarat.

The troupe had given its performance on Sunday when the Chief Minister himself was present but many people raised objections against their presentation. Following the alleged complaints, the organisers asked the Israeli troupe to pack up minutes before the performers were taking up the stage for the show on Monday, even as the bewildered and humiliated group protested and disagreed that their costumes and presentation could anyway be termed vulgar. It was a folk dance of Israel and there was nothing obscene about it nor could there be any objections to the girls wearing long-sleeve blouses and trousers, a troupe member said.

The Israeli consulate in Mumbai took a strong objection to the troupe being given the marching orders from the stage without giving any reason. The troupe was sent to participate in the Navaratri celebrations officially by the Israeli government as part of cultural exchange after Mr. Modi's recent three-day visit to Israel when he issued an invitation to Israel to take part in the vibrant Gujarat celebrations.

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Modi's intervention mollifies Israeli troupe

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